Looking At Love: A Guide To Relationship Green Flags
Recently there has been a trend being made popular on exploring what “green and red flags” mean to each person. There are several positive indicators that demonstrate someone is in a healthy relationship so this blog will touch on that subject.
The Importance of “Relationship Flags”
Green and red flags may not be new concepts to the masses, but considering the traction that the concepts have gained over the years, it is important to dig into what they are and how to properly spot them. “Flags” in relationships can be considered equivalent to habits or behaviors in a relationship: when partners are portraying “green flags” it likely means that they are exhibiting and practicing healthy and empathetic behaviors towards each other and are treating the relationship with respect. However, when a relationship is demonstrating “red flags” there are likely behaviors being practiced that are causing harm to one or both partners of the relationship. These flags don’t all have a set way of being practiced or identified in the relationship so it may be difficult to distinguish between them at first glance, but there are some clear indicators of both types of flags that those in relationships should look out for in their romantic endeavors.
Heart Eyes For Green Flags
When thinking about entering a new relationship, there are some common green flags that you can identify from the very start. When thinking about what type of relationship you want to participate in, it’s important to remember that green flags are the ones that make you feel seen, validated, and secure with whomever you are entering a partnership with. These green flags will always allow you to be authentically you, give you space to communicate your wants and needs, and will respect your boundaries. When it comes to relationships, many will try to emphasize red flags and how to avoid them in potential partners but may leave out what behaviors a healthy partner may contribute. It’s crucial to understand that there are good traits to look for in a future partner and that your relationship's green flags may look different for someone else. In the long run, green flags are meant to help not only strengthen your relationship but give both partners the opportunity of autonomy.
More Than A Meme
Green flags in relationships are more than just a meme or a moment; they are hints and clues as to how much a relationship is valued and respected by both partners. There are so many reasons in which someone entering a relationship may need guidance on what information green flags can provide. They are meant to ensure a level of safety and appreciation for the relationship while also acting as a wellness check throughout the relationship. For those coming out of unhealthy relationships, it can also be a guide for setting a new standard for any future relationships they may enter.
Some Green Flags To Help Guide Relationships
While some green flags feel obvious, many don’t particularly know what behaviors to look for when they are searching for a new potential partner. For someone who has experienced dating and multiple relationships, it may feel effortless to spy some green flags and red flags, but for those who are new to dating in general or whose relationships haven’t been the healthiest, it may be a tad more difficult to understand what a healthy partner looks and feels like. Below are 3 huge green flags that should always be considered when engaging in a romantic relationship:
Respect Across All Areas: When you feel respected in a space, you allow yourself to completely open up and be vulnerable around your partner. Respecting boundaries, respecting time, respecting autonomy; all of these are signs of a healthy relationship.
Constant Open Communication: Being able to openly communicate how you feel at any moment is a crucial green flag. Allowing for a space where what you say is heard and appreciated makes way for fruitful and invigorating relationships.
Sharing The Same Values: This doesn’t automatically mean that you and your partner have to agree on everything all the time, but the values in the relationship should align to the point where you don’t feel the need to defend or restrict your values because your partner disagrees. Sharing the same values gives room to grow perspective, patience, and understanding on things you already know you want and need.
Green Flags Means Green Light
Green flags may not always be easy to physically see, but they are easy to feel. When you experience healthy habits in your relationship that allow you to be yourself while maintaining a flourishing connection, you might know intuitively that the relationship is wholesome and nourishing for your life. If you are struggling with understanding whether your relationship exhibits green or red flags, reaching out to a couple's counselor may be a way to better understand your partner and yourself. At Rebecca Newton Therapy, we take pride in offering couples counseling that provides a safe space for your relationship to grow and prosper.